Our state is well-represented in the NFL this year. There are 27 players with Utah ties that have already clinched a spot in the playoffs heading into Week 18.
Depending on how this weekend goes, three to nine more players with Utah ties could qualify for the postseason.
Brandon Judd reports that BYU leads the way amongst Utah colleges.
Here's a breakdown of how many former players are on postseason rosters broken down by university.
BYU: eight
University of Utah: seven
Utah State: three
Weber State: two
Southern Utah: one
Snow College: one
Great Salt Lake makes new gains to start new year. What does it need in 2025?
The Great Salt Lake saw rising waters beginning in the new year. Experts hope that continues.
Carter Williams reports: "The lake typically rises about 2 feet or so every winter, but subsequently falls about 2 feet every summer. Last year, the lake rose 3 feet, reaching a five-year high of 4,195.2 feet, but a hot, dry summer dropped the lake 3 feet, effectively taking away what looked like progress toward a major drought-driven deficit."
Here are three key takeaways:
Impact of snowpack and precipitation: Recent precipitation has positively impacted lake levels. Snowpack increased from 69% to 104% of the median average in just under two weeks.
A wet season ahead?: Experts expect that more storms will continue to enter Utah that could keep snowpack levels steady.
Hopes for 2025: "If we get a wet winter, the lake can respond pretty quickly," Tim Davis, Utah's deputy Great Salt Lake commissioner told KSL NewsRadio. "Hopefully we get enough snow like we did last year and the year before."
A major piece of the massive overhaul of the historic Salt Lake Temple was completed this week.
What did workers complete?
Workers recently completed a three-year project to delicately drill 46 holes down through its stone walls.
Why were they drilling?
Tad Walch reports that it was to "Create vertical cores to make room for bundles of post-tension cabling that tie together reinforced steel structures added to the towers and roof above and to the major seismic upgrades in the historic foundation below."
In the case of an earthquake, the steel cables will help the temple sway as one piece on top of a base isolation system under its foundation.
Read more about the major milestone in the temple's renovation.
More in Faith
Several Church donations promote education, provide clean water, improve infrastructure in the Philippines (Church News)
Latter-day Saint First Presidency opens 2025 with daily emphasis on Jesus Christ, resurrection (Deseret News)
Packed with behind-the-scenes insights from players like Robbie Bosco and Kelly Smith, game-by-game highlights, and more, this collector's edition is your all-access pass to one of college football's most legendary seasons. Get your copy today and celebrate the triumphs of the 1984 BYU Cougars!
Health
Are your blood sugar imbalances causing inflammation? (Cache Valley Daily)
14 surprising ways to beat the post-holiday blues (Healthline)
Politics
Fewer Christians, more ‘nones’: Congress’ new religious breakdown (Deseret News)
Michael Kofoed: The enduring value of public higher education (Deseret News)
The Nation and the World
America's final salute to Jimmy Carter begins in home state of Georgia (CBS News)
Biggest winter storm in over a decade forecast to hit US (BBC)
Sports
Analysis: BYU plays without poise and passion, takes a step backward in humbling loss to No. 14 Houston (Deseret News)
Utah easily beats Utah State in season opener but is left wanting much more (Deseret News)
High school girls wrestling: A closer look at the 62 participants in the 24th annual Utah All-Star Duals (Deseret News)
High school boys wrestling: A closer look at the 61 participants in the 24th annual Utah All-Star Duals (Deseret News)
🗓️ Events Calendar
We are still putting together the events calendar for January. We plan on having it available by Monday morning.
Please reach out to me at sgambles@deseretnews.com if you have any thoughts, feedback or ideas you would like to share!
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